Russian Toy Terrier

A miniature terrier known as the Russian Toy Terrier is the smallest Russian dog and one of the tiniest dogs in the world.

It is a relatively new Russian dog breed that was recognized by the American Kennel Club only in 2008.

This mini-dog with its brittle, delicate legs, short bobbed tail, and swan neck resembles a little fawn. It has a refined small head with very expressive eyes and stand-up ears.

There are two varieties of this breed: Russian Longhaired Toy Terrier and Shorthaired Russian Toy Terrier. Their hair may be black and tan, red, brown and tan, blue and tan, or pale-yellow. It is not allergenic and doesn't have any odor, except for the perfume of the dog's owner.

The history of this miniature terrier is rather unusual. Before the communist revolution in Russia, one of the most popular dog breeds with the Russian aristocracy was the English Toy Terrier. When Bolsheviks came to power in 1917 this breed as well as Borzoi was labeled "bourgeois", and the number of these dogs decreased critically. Only in the 1950s did Russian breeders began the revival of the English Toy Terrier.

Due to their total isolation from Western colleagues, the evolution of the breed went its own way producing a new Soviet dog breed with its own unique features and standard.

Obedient and Affectionate Dog

The new mini-dog was called the Moscow Toy Terrier and later the Russian Toy Terrier. Its long-haired variety became especially popular in Russia because the Russian Longhaired Toy Terrier was suited for walks in cold weather.

The Russian Toy Terrier is a loving, obedient and affectionate dog, a loyal and tender companion.  It is generally easy to train and very sensitive to criticism. This cute miniature terrier is very cheerful, active, and playful. It always gets along well with small children and other pets.

Owning a Russian Toy Terrier

Despite its pocket size, this Russian dog is typically known as a healthy breed. Sometimes they may suffer from knee and dental problems as well as ear and eye infections. Female Russian Toy usually gives birth to 1-3 puppies.

The two breed varieties can be crossed and give both longhaired and smooth puppies from the same litter.

Owning the Russian Toy doesn't create any difficulties. It is easy to keep this miniature terrier in a small apartment and to take it along anywhere. Just watch your steps at home and don't let this amazing mini-dog jump out of your hands.

Russian Toy Size:

Height: 8 to 10 inches
Weight: 3 to 6 pounds

Rumble Video: Russian toy terrier bothers Tibetan mastiff

Breed Names: Russian Toy Terrier, Moscow Longhaired Toy Terrier, Moscow Toy Terrier, Moscow Miniature Terrier, Russian Longhaired Toy Terrier, Russkiy Toy, Moscow Toy, Russian Toy, Toychik, Russian: Русский той, Тойчик

Say it in Russian:

Russian Toy Terrier Breed Standard
Find a Russian dog name for your miniature terrier puppy!
Learn some Russian dog commands.